The days when the world came to a standstill, it was a culmination of fear, tension, panic and outbreaks, a dark pandemic. Uncertainty about the novel disease, insufficient medical facilities, depression, economic crisis, lack of transportation and scarcity in food and accommodation. Those were the sad and scary days.
The only consolation and hope that the community saw were the social workers on field. Physicians who worked tirelessly, nurses who never left patients bedsides, ambulance and auto drivers; NGOs that were ready to support and help people. Each one admirable and worthy of being honoured.
The COVID warriors were at the forefront of alleviating people from their distress, times when the country and its people were surrounded by misery and suffering; supporting them on all planes possible.
These warriors were the ones who acted as a bridge between Corona victims and the doctors that saved the lives of many.
The COVID warriors were also active in making timely arrangements when people were stranded without access to Remdesivir injections, oxygen cylinders and ventilator facilities.
These warriors, doctors and nurses who worked day and night to keep the lives of fellow human beings free from COVID’s threat. They were the frontliners who volunteered to even carry forward burial rites of many.
Jamaat-e-Islami Hind joined hands with the government, the corporation and police officials along with various NGOs to provide the best they can. It began its work in many directions, including food arrangements, medical guidance, comfort for the depressed, counselling, travel arrangements for migrant workers, and accommodation arrangements for them.
Feeling it was their moral duty to honour these true warriors, the Jamaat held an awards ceremony at the Vestin Park Chennai on December 5. The function was presided over by Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry State President Moulavi Mohammed Haneefa Manbayee. Dr. K.V.S. Habib Mohammad, Vice president of IFT Chennai; Dr. Radhakrishnan, Secretary, Department of Health, Government of Tamil Nadu; Mr. Thayaga Kavi, MLA of Thiru-vika Nagar; Mr. M Abdul Rahman, Tamil Nadu Waqf Board Chairman; Mr. Vikramaraja, President Tamil Nadu Traders Association; Chhaya Devi, Save Shakti Foundation Co-Founder; Indian Union Muslim League All India Women’s Wing President Fatima Muzaffar, collectively honoured the COVID Warriors by presenting them with awards and certificates of appreciation.
Addressing the function, Dr. J.S. Radhakrishnan recalled the various relief work carried out by the Jamaat and highlighted the fact that, during the tsunami disaster, the Jamaat had constructed 100 houses for the homeless.
Mr. Thayaga Kavi gave a brief introduction about the Jamaat and its incomparable charity. Also, Mr. M Abdul Rahman, Mr. Vikramaraja, Ms. Chhaya Devi and Ms. Fatima Muzaffar graced the occasion with their kind words. All the Chief Guests and Guests of Honour spoke highly on the social service work of the Jamaat.
Everyone praised that the awards and certificates of appreciation given were on the basis of humanity alone without any religious discrimination. A noteworthy feat was that the award ceremony was not just attended by a large gathering, but broadcast on many News Channels as well.
On the whole, it was a successful event that honoured the deserving, a proud moment for humanity indeed.